Tag: taxes

Murtha & Flischel CPAs Helps Businesses & Individuals Be Ready For Tax Time

(L.-r.) Kyle Flischel and Tom & Patrick Murtha are the partners who have helped make Murtha & Flischel CPAs in the Seven Oaks Professional Park one of the most respected Certified Public Accounting firms in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. ***(Photo provided by Murtha & Flischel)***

For more than 14 years, Murtha & Flischel Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), have been a trusted name in the Wesley Chapel community. Known for dedication to personalized service and in-depth knowledge of accounting and tax laws, the firm has built a strong reputation as reliable partners for individuals and businesses alike.

The story of Murtha & Flischel began back in 1997, when Thomas Murtha and Raymond Flischel founded the firm as Flischel, Murtha & Associates in Englewood, FL. Ray Flischel worked for more than 40 years before retiring. Tom Murtha is a seasoned CPA with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Tom has nearly 40 years of experience in taxes, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and has been a trusted advisor to many. He also taught accounting courses at Hillsborough Community College and for the American Institute of Banking for more than 15 years, helping shape the next generation of accountants.

In 2009, Tom’s son Patrick helped Tom and Ray sell their Englewood firm and open a new office — Murtha & Murtha, LLC, in Tampa. In 2015, the firm moved to the Seven Oaks Professional Park (off Ancient Oaks Blvd., north of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, where it continued to grow and thrive. Today, the firm has changed its name to Murtha & Flischel and has three partners, including Tom, Patrick and Ray’s son Kyle Flischel.

Patrick and Kyle are both alumni of the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, where Patrick earned B.S. degrees in Finance and Accounting, in 2009 and 2015, respectively, while Kyle earned a B.S. degree in Accounting in 2011 and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Accounting with a focus on taxes, in 2017.

Murtha & Flischel offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its clients. From preparing taxes to advising businesses on complex tax issues, the firm helps clients stay compliant and make the most of their financial opportunities. During tax season, Murtha & Flischel’s dedicated senior accountants — including Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little — work hard to assist clients. Both Kaitlyns started as interns and are now pursuing their CPA certifications. Junior accountants Jackie Moore and Tamara Daley also are valuable team members.

“We’re excited to expand our team,” Patrick says, “and we plan to add two more junior accountants soon.”

Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything the professionals at Murtha & Flischel do. The team’s personalized approach has earned the firm glowing reviews from its clients, as Murtha & Flischel has an overall 4.9 star (out of 5) rating on Google, with more than 115 reviews. Client Christina Helm shared in her 5-star rating: “It’s time we ALL quit slogging through TurboTax and never look back. From initial contact to my phone appointment with Kaitlyn Little to signing our return was about a month, with quick, accurate and professional communication, via phone, [by] email and on their app!”

In addition to tax preparation, the firm offers bookkeeping and accounting services that help businesses keep their financial records accurate and organized. This allows Murtha & Flischel’s clients to make informed decisions and plan for growth. The firm also specializes in business valuations, tax planning and helping buyers and sellers navigate the process of mergers and acquisitions.

“We started with mergers and acquisitions before expanding to other services,” Patrick says.

A High-Flying Firm

(L.-r.) Senior accountants Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little, partners Kyle Flischel and Patrick Murtha, office manager Lourdes (“Lou”) Alers, front office manager Sam Yates and staff accountant Tamara Daley can all be found at Murtha & Flischel’s Wesley Chapel office. (Photo by Charmaine George)

Patrick and Kyle have both recently earned their pilot’s licenses. In 2023, Patrick received his license and in December of last year, he completed instrument reading.

“Although we did it as a hobby, it has quickly become an essential part of our business,” Patrick says. “We had a client on the other side of the state, and where it would have taken us a few hours to get there, we were able to arrive in just under an hour and fly back home the same day. Flying saves us so much time and it makes it easier to provide hands-on support for our clients.”

Another standout offering is Murtha & Flischel’s CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Retainer Package. This service provides businesses with ongoing financial oversight, including monthly accounting, budgeting and tax planning. It also includes advice about health insurance and retirement plans. Acting as an outsourced CFO — at a fraction of the cost of an in-house CFO — the firm helps businesses stay financially secure while preparing for long-term success.

On TampaTaxFirm.com, the firm shares helpful articles under the “News and Articles” section. “We try to post relevant information that clients might find useful,” Patrick explains. Recent topics include the changes to federal and state tax laws for 2025 and guidance on the on-again, off-again BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) and FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) compliance. While Murtha & Flischel doesn’t complete BOI filings for its clients, the firm does provide clear instructions on how to complete that filing yourself.

“We want our clients to avoid fines and stay informed,” Patrick says, adding that although the requirement for businesses to file BOI was put on hold, it is possible it will become a requirement again at some point.

“The process is quite simple,” Patrick adds. “It takes only a few minutes to file electronically.” He recommends business owners either go ahead and complete it just in case or make sure they keep an eye on updates through FinCEN.gov.

This unwavering commitment to personalized service is what makes Murtha & Flischel stand out. “Our goal is to provide year-round support and timely responses to all client questions,” Patrick says. This dedication has earned the firm a loyal client base and a strong reputation in the local community.

The firm also supports local initiatives and participates in community events. This dedication not only enhances the staff’s connection with clients but also underscores the role of a community-centric firm.

Patrick and his wife Jennifer have three children — 10-year-old Thomas, Jack (age 9) and Audrey, 4. The family lives in Wesley Chapel and is very active in the local community, including the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the North Tampa Bay Chamber. Meanwhile, Kyle (who has been the president of a local Business Networking International chapter) and his wife Stephanie enjoy brewing beer as a hobby.

The firm of Murtha & Flischel CPAs is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. The Zephyrhills office is located at 5315 8th St.

For a free consultation or tips on tax filing, call (813) 991-1120, or visit TampaTaxFirm.com or any of Murtha & Flischel’s social media sites — Instagram.com/murthacpas, Facebook.com/TampaTaxFirm, or Linkedin.com/ company/murtha-and-flischel-certified-public-accountants.

David Cruz Marks Two Decades Of Serving Clients With His DC Accounting

*With tax season in full swing, David Cruz invites you to find out more about his DC Accounting Services, P.A., located off U.S. Hwy. 41 in Lutz. (Photo by Charmaine George)*

David Cruz says that when he was a little boy in Puerto Rico, he always liked math. While other kids wanted to be firefighters, he says his dream was to become an accountant.

When David was 17, he joined the U.S. Army and served more than 20 years before retiring in 2000 from Fort Knox in Kentucky as a master sergeant.

Wanting to live somewhere warm that reminded him of Puerto Rico, he moved to the Tampa Bay area and, at 38 years old, he was ready to start a new career.

That’s when he first started working to make his childhood dream come true.

David finished the last couple of classes he needed for a Bachelor’s degree at Hillsborough Community College, then went on to complete his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Nova Southeastern University, based in Ft. Lauderdale. Then, he decided to complete two more Master’s degrees — a Master of Accounting (MACC) and then a Master of Taxation (MTAX), both also from Nova Southeastern.

While going to school, David worked at AutoZone and took a side job working in accounting to learn the trade. After a couple of years, he began to pick up his own clients.

In 2003, he decided to open DC Accounting, P.A., as a full-time career, leaving his other jobs and focusing full time on his own clients.

Today, he’s been serving his community in accounting, taxation, and budgeting for more than two decades.

As an enrolled agent of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), David holds the highest credential awarded by the IRS. He says he didn’t pursue becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), because his education more than qualifies him to work with local individuals and small businesses. CPAs are generally required to have a four-year degree and an additional two years of accounting experience, but David has surpassed those qualifications. In addition, David says CPAs can sign off on financial statements for large publicly traded companies, but that’s not something he needs to do in his practice.

“I even do taxes for some CPAs,” David says. “Like lawyers, they have their own concentrations, such as forensic, corporate, accounts payable or accounts receivable. They don’t do everything I do.”

David says he focuses on small businesses and their needs — in areas such as bookkeeping, income taxes, audits, sales tax and workers’ compensation. He even helps businesses with licenses and zoning, including when site plans and surveys are needed. That includes representing his clients before the county when zoning and licensing hearings are held.

In addition, he handles personal taxes for small business owners and individuals.

“I don’t tell people, ‘I don’t do that,’” he says. “If I don’t know how to do something, I go and learn it and make it happen for my clients.”

He often represents clients who are faced with an IRS audit or if they owe money. He says he has even gone to court for his clients. “I’ll do anything for my clients,” he says, “anything that’s legal.”

Back in the early days — 20 years ago — David was newly divorced and working out of his home. He said his staff worked in spare bedrooms upstairs. His living room served as his reception area and his clients were welcome to help themselves to water from his kitchen.

In 2008, he opened an office in Lutz, where he practiced for nearly 15 years.

In 2022, he purchased a larger building on Crystal Grove Blvd., renovated it and moved in. He says the office has room to grow, and he shares the space with the other business he and his wife Cindy co-own, the popular restaurants Rice N Beans Puerto Rico and Rice N Beans Express.

David and Cindy were married in 2017, blending their families. David has three adult children from a previous marriage, while Cindy has two who are now 16 and 19. The couple also has adopted a child, who is now 10.

When they married, Cindy owned two food trucks. David says she would get up every day at 3 a.m. and work until 9 p.m., seven days a week. They sold the trucks and opened Rice N Beans Puerto Rico (which is now located on Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Wesley Chapel), and the newer Rice N Beans Express on S.R. 54 in Lutz.

“Cindy handles all of the operations,” David explains. “She runs Rice N Beans, manages the people, comes up with ideas, does the marketing. I handle the books, do the budget, the forecasting — all of the money.”

The building they share has offices for Cindy and for her assistant to run the restaurants, while DC Accounting has offices for David and his staff, which includes an office manager, bookkeeping manager, two bookkeepers and a receptionist.

“My staff is a great staff,” David says. “They all do their jobs very well.”

He says the staff works together to ensure that every client’s problems are dealt with in a timely manner. David says the company’s policy is that every question is answered within 24 hours.

“I’m available for my clients 24/7,” he says. “They can call my cell phone and if they have issues or questions after five p.m. or on the weekend, they can reach me.”

He says his favorite part of the job is the challenges that arise. “When I’m dealing with clients’ problems, their problems become my problems,” he says, “and I have to solve those problems.”

Carmen Vazquez from Lights & More in Carrollwood says her business has been working with David for about six years. The family-owned business hired DC Accounting to handle all of its company accounting and the owners’ personal accounting, as well.

“They take care of everything that is required for the federal and state level,” says Carmen. “David takes a very personal approach. He’s always available, always makes us feel welcome when we come in to his office, and always returns our calls.”

She says the most important thing to her is knowing that David and his staff’s personal values align with her own.

“The key word is trust,” she says. “We’re giving all this personal and business information to another person, so the trust has to be solid. We only want to work with someone who thinks about ethics as a priority, and that’s David.”

DC Accounting (219 Crystal Grove Blvd., Lutz), is open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., and after hours by appointment. For more info, call (813) 345-8503, visit DCAccountingPA.com. Be sure to mention the ad or this story for a 10% discount on personal tax preparation for 2023.

David Cruz DC Accounting taxes Wesley Chapel

Murtha & Murtha Handling Covid Fallout This Tax Season

Every tax season is different.

Some are busier than others, some are upended by new tax laws or bills, while still others are a mad scramble.

This tax season, however, is almost indescribable, says Patrick Murtha, who along with his father Tom and new partner (but longtime senior accountant) Kyle Flischel run Murtha & Murtha, LLC, in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 (across from Sam’s Club).

Due to Covid-19, nothing about this tax season seems normal, Patrick says. Everyone was impacted, with some people losing their jobs and collecting unemployment, others receiving PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans and many people having to borrow money from their retirement plans in order to survive.

Some people moved away from Florida, but many others moved in. And, not everyone struggled, Patrick says, noting that some clients had their most lucrative years ever in 2020.

Either way, Patrick says 2020 was the year of “major life changes,” and clients need more help now than they ever have as they navigate through tax season waters that are now murkier than before.

“This has been amazingly busy,” says Patrick. “The average return is a little more complicated, and we have a lot more clients coming in. It’s crazy.”

That means thousands of tax returns between Murtha & Murtha’s two offices (the Murthas recently merged with another office in Zephyrhills, which is now called Henson & Murtha, CPAs.)

Luckily for clients new and old, Tom, Patrick and Kyle have more than 60 years of combined experience in handling taxes on behalf of their accounting clients.

Because of Covid-19, the Murthas have adapted to the new reality. They started last year, when Covid hit right at the annual March peak of tax season, and now have a well-oiled virtual online machine to help them assist clients.

“We pivoted pretty quickly,” Patrick says. “Right when Covid hit last year we made that move, making virtual appointments, video calls, phone appointments. We bolstered that a lot more in the offseason. Now, we’re a full, web-based client center.”

Clients can sign in, upload their tax documents and any other paperwork the Murthas may need to complete their taxes. “We created a really convenient way for us to work, and for our clients, too,” Patrick says.

He adds that about half of Murtha & Murtha’s clients are handling this tax season online. The other half still prefers to come in to the office, where CDC guidelines are strictly followed. As the pandemic passes, there may be less of a need for an online exchange of tax forms and paperwork, but the firm plans to keep the online option in their arsenal.

That arsenal is quite full as it is. Murtha & Murtha consults, advises and deals in complicated and intricate tax laws, providing business valuations and due diligence while also running the successful Murtha & Murtha Mergers and Acquisitions, LLC.

Tom is fond of saying “we do it all,” which isn’t too far off. And, while taxes are a huge part of what Murtha & Murtha does, Tom says consulting with clients throughout the year is often just as valuable.

A Little Background

Tom Murtha, CPA, earned his B.S. degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, in 1976, and his M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, in 1981. He has been doing mergers, acquisitions and business valuations since the 1990s.

Patrick, who grew up around tax codes at his father’s business, graduated from the University of South Florida in 2009 with Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in both Finance and Accounting. He joined his father in opening a firm in Tampa in 2010, focusing on mergers and acquisitions.

Meanwhile, Kyle Flischel, CPA, is practically family, having gone to school with Patrick at USF.

Murtha & Murtha offers a popular “CFO Retainer Package,” which helps businesses (and those who are self-employed) who might need a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) but who don’t have the budget to hire a full-time manager or accountant for that job.

For a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO, the Murthas operate in an advisory position and can handle everything from accounting and bookkeeping to setting up payroll and ensuring that all of a client’s income and expenses are classified correctly.

They also will put together a budget, which Patrick says hardly any other companies do. The Murthas are big on budgeting, which helps their clients make decisions in real time, instead of waiting until the end of the year.

And of course, they will take care of all of your tax preparation and planning.

“The CFO program is growing just as quickly as our tax business is,” Patrick says.

Since starting the CFO program, Patrick says they’ve only lost two clients, but both were due to capital acquisitions. “In both cases, the companies were successful,” he says.

If using Murtha & Murtha sounds daunting and exorbitantly-priced, the Murthas promise that it’s not. The firm handles just about every kind of client, from rich businessmen to small business owners to regular W-2 workers, and the prices are comparable to other tax firms like H&R Block. And, every client gets the same personal treatment. It is that personal touch that differentiates Murtha & Murtha from others, Patrick says.

While they handle the taxes of some large companies, Patrick says that individual returns account for about two-thirds of Murtha & Murtha’s billings — and that number may be growing this year with the influx of new clients.

During Covid-crazy 2020, Patrick says the firm still grew but not at the rate they originally anticipated. However, he says this year could be record-breaking.

“Whatever we should’ve gotten last year we are getting this year,” Patrick says, “(in addition to) what we would have normally gotten this year. It’s going to be the busiest season we’ve had by an order of magnitude.”

Murtha & Murtha, LLC, is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101. For more info, visit TampaTaxFirm.com. To schedule a free consultation, call (813) 991-1120.

Henson & Murtha, CPAs, is located at 5315 8th Ave. in Zephyrhills. For more info, call (813) 782-0580.

Murtha & Murtha taxes

For Trusted Tax Help This Season, Turn To Murtha & Murtha, LLC

Tom Murtha and his son Patrick do more than just crunch numbers during tax season. Partners and owners of their own accounting firm — Murtha & Murtha, LLC — in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 (across from Sam’s Club), the father-son duo has more than 50 years of combined experience in handling ever-changing tax laws on behalf of their accounting clients.

The Murthas consult, advise and deal in complicated and intricate tax laws and provide things like business valuations and due diligence while also running the successful Murtha & Murtha Mergers and Acquisitions, LLC.

And of course, they do taxes.

“We do it all,” says Tom.

And, as they help businesses grow and prosper, so has their own business. The Murthas are coming off a year in which they merged with another office in Zephyrhills, which is now called Henson & Murtha, CPAs. Tom says that transition went off seamlessly and is helping the Murthas spread their influence across eastern Pasco, an area they feel is underserved.

“(The merger) was very, very successful,” Tom says. “We (inherited) some great people, haven’t lost any clients and have grown over there.”

Tom, who earned his B.S. degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, in 1976, and his M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, in 1981, has been doing mergers, acquisitions and business valuations since the 1990s.

In 2013, the Murthas expanded to full service, and in 2015, moved to their current location in Wesley Chapel.

Currently in the middle of tax season, Murtha & Murtha is expecting to do more than 2,000 tax returns between the two offices. In its Wesley Chapel location alone, where the Murthas and senior accountant Kyle Flischel, CPA, are particularly busy, business is up 70 percent.

Tom calls it “explosive.” Patrick draws a laugh from his father when he says this tax season has already been like “trying to drink water from a fire hose.” During a recent two-day span, Patrick says he had meetings with 20 new, potential clients.

That speaks to the success of the firm. The staff has grown and stayed ahead of the growth, allowing Murtha & Murtha, LLC, to provide business services that are never interrupted by seasonal changes or having too much on their plates.

Business Gurus, Too

Much of what Murtha & Murtha does is help businesses large and small handle their accounting. While the proliferation of online filing software has replaced the duties of many accountants over the years, Tom says it has only helped his business thrive.

Now, instead of using most of their time inputting numbers into a computer program, the Murthas have more time to advise businesses on more important matters that can improve their bottom line.

“Today, with QuickBooks and other accounting software, that stuff is already done,” Tom says. “That doesn’t do anything for the client; it’s all after the fact. We can actually help clients with what they need. We’re helping them become successful, not just doing this work that shows them where they were last year.”

That’s why the Murthas suggest that businesses meet with them during the year, to make decisions before tax time, when it may be too late to help maximize a return or save money for that year.

Services Your Business Needs

Murtha & Murtha offers a “CFO Retainer Package,” which is designed to help businesses and those who are self-employed whose company may need a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) but don’t have the budget to hire a full-time manager or accountant for that job.

And of course, they will take care of all of the tax preparation and planning.

Patrick says it is that personal touch that differentiates Murtha & Murtha from others. While some CPAs may take a pass on your more complicated business problems, the Murthas specialize in taking them on — and solving them.

At Murtha & Murtha, the person you talk to is the person who does your tax return. Whether you’re a filer from a lower income tax bracket, a business bringing in $100,000 a year or someone with an $80-million stock portfolio, you get personalized treatment.

“We want our clients to view us as advisers,” says Patrick, “not just the guys who do their tax returns.”

And if the help you require is outside of their parameters, they will help you find the right person, whether it’s a lawyer or a certified financial planner (CFP).

“Helping the client is our brand,” Tom says. “We help people be successful. That’s what our firm does.”

Murtha & Murtha, LLC, is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101, Wesley Chapel. For more info, visit TampaTaxFirm.com, see the ad on pg. 19 or to schedule a free consultation, call (813) 991-1120. Henson & Murtha, CPAs, is located at 5315 8th Ave. in Zephyrhills. For info, call (813) 782-0580.

taxes

Who Should You Call To Untangle The New Tax Laws? Murtha & Murtha, CPAs!

*Patrick Murtha (left) and his father Tom Murtha offer a plethora of accounting services for individuals and businesses from their office in the Seven Oaks Professional Park. (Photo: Gavin Olsen)*

Tax season is upon us (“Tax Day” is Monday, April 15), and with the new tax laws that have created more questions than ever before, it might be time to call in some experienced experts.

The father-and-son team of Tom Murtha, CPA, and Patrick Murtha of Murtha & Murtha, LLC, is ready to answer that call.

Partners and owners of their own firm in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 (across from Sam’s Club), the Murthas have more than 50 years of combined experience in tax law, and they recently added three more employees, following a merger with another office in Zephyrhills, which is now called Henson & Murtha, CPAs.

“It was a good opportunity to grow the business and take our brand and implement that in Zephyrhills,” Patrick says.

With the addition of longtime CPA John Henson and three other employees in the Zephyrhills office, anyone signing up with the Murthas now has access to more than 100 years of combined experience in everything from accounting to tax preparations to mergers and acquisitions.

“Where we definitely shine with is handling complex issues you don’t see every day,” Patrick says. “Between all of us, we’ve seen everything.”

The Curious Case Of The Shrinking Tax Return

The current tax season promises to be an interesting one for Murtha & Murtha and other accounting firms, as clients are feeling the effects, good and bad, of last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Things like the doubling of the child tax credit, higher standard deductions and new limits on itemized tax breaks could create some thorny issues for those doing their taxes on their own and those using computer software.
So far, Patrick says that some people are finding out that their usual tax refund has been replaced by a new tax bill.

While there are still a lot of tax breaks in the new bill, “W-2 employees are finding their withholdings weren’t enough,” Patrick says, “so, when they’re used to getting a tax refund, we have clients who are getting a much smaller tax refund, and some that actually owe.”

How did that happen? Well, when the new tax law went into effect, Patrick says the IRS overestimated the tax savings that your average taxpayer was going to have. In other words, the IRS was less aggressive on the withholding than it should have been.

“So, what happened is people got bigger paychecks during the year, but that was in the form of withholding less tax for their tax bill for the end of the year,” Patrick says.

The Murthas say they are not completely surprised by this development. They say they started noticing while doing tax returns in 2018, just after the bill passed, that many of their clients said they were receiving bigger paychecks. As anyone on social media can attest, there were many posts from people praising the new tax law because it meant an extra $100 every week or two on their paychecks.

One of Patrick’s clients, a married couple, say they have never owed taxes before and usually get a refund of around $3,000. This year, they owe $2,500.

On the other hand, says Tom, Murtha & Murtha has another client, a business owner making more than half a million dollars annually, who they saved $30,000-40,000 in taxes.

“He made out like a fat rabbit,” Tom says, “and he was able to put the savings into retirement planning.”

While everyone is paying a little less tax, Patrick says the sweet spot this year seems to be those making between $150,000 and $400,000, due to the child credit being doubled and available to those who make up to $400,000, a generous qualified business income (QBI) deduction of 20 percent for business owners and “softer” tax brackets.

If using a firm like Murtha & Murtha sounds daunting and exorbitantly-priced, the Murthas promise that it’s not.

“Pricewise, were competitive with companies like H&R Block, we really are,” Patrick says. “I have clients who come in and I quote them a price and they say, ‘Wow, I paid $100 more at H&R Block and they messed up my return.’ We are able to provide a high level of service without pricing people out.”

That service, provided by Patrick, Tom and the firm’s senior accountant Kyle Flischel, CPA, is what they call the “Murtha & Murtha Difference.” They don’t have someone meet with you, pass off your return to someone different in a back office, and then deliver your results to you without explaining everything and rushing you out the door.

“We want our clients to view us as advisers,” says Patrick, “not just the guys who do their tax returns.”

Murtha & Murtha will go over your return, explain how the final result was achieved and offer advice on how to proceed in the future. If you’re unhappy with your refund or lack thereof, they can offer suggestions to avoid a repeat.

“We want to make them aware of what the new landscape is and how to deal with it,” Patrick says. “Retail companies train employees how to use the software, they don’t train them on tax law. We’re not just a tax return mill, we want long-term relationships with our clients.”

More Than Just Tax Returns

Murtha & Murtha can and does handle much more than just tax returns.
Tom, who earned his B.S. degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, in 1976, and his M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, in 1981, has been doing mergers, acquisitions and business valuations since the 1990s.

Along with various accounting services, business valuations are another perk of being a Murtha & Murtha client. A good and accurate estimate of the worth of someone’s business is as important to a business owner as the appraisal of one’s home. Tom specializes in this field, “and not just the back of an envelope type of thing.”

In the long run, he adds, everyone wants (or has) to sell his or her business one day.

Murtha & Murtha also offers a “CFO Retainer Package,”which is designed to help businesses and those who are self-employed whose company may need a Chief Financial Officer but don’t have the budget to hire a full-time manager or accountant for that job.

For a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO, the Murthas operate in an advisory position and can handle everything from accounting and book bookkeeping, setting up payroll and ensuring that all the income and expenses are classified correctly.

They also will put together a budget, which Patrick says hardly any other companies do but is needed, as it provides a “compass” to let you know if your business is headed in the right direction.

And of course, they will take care of all the tax preparation and planning.

If you follow Murtha & Murtha on Facebook, you also can find advice in the form of short videos that will help answer a number of common tax questions, from simple ones to those that are more complex.

“We offer the complete package,” Tom says. “When you are with us, you really do get a lot.”

Murtha & Murtha, LLC, is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. For more info, visit TampaTaxFirm.com or to schedule a free consultation, call (813) 991-1120. Henson & Murtha, CPAs is located at 5315 8th Ave. in Zephyrhills. For more information, call (813) 782-0580.

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